Resilient device

Abstract

An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

We claim: 
     
       1. An intravaginal urinary incontinence device having a longitudinal axis and comprising a substantially hollow elastic working portion comprising a plurality of at least three longitudinally extending struts, each of which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and at least partially define outer surfaces of the device having a first use equivalent diameter of at least about 15 mm under an expansion pressure of 20 cm H 2 O, and a second use equivalent diameter less than the first use equivalent diameter at the same expansion pressure, wherein the diameters are measured as a maximum distance between the outer surfaces of the device. 
     
     
       2. The incontinence device of  claim 1 , wherein the working portion has a third use equivalent diameter of about 10 to about 20 under expansion pressure of 150 cm H 2 O. 
     
     
       3. The incontinence device of  claim 1 , wherein the first use equivalent diameter is at least about 20 mm under an expansion pressure of 35 cm H 2 O and the second use equivalent diameter is at least about 10 mm under an expansion pressure of 140 cm H 2 O. 
     
     
       4. The incontinence device of  claim 1 , wherein the working portion comprises a structure selected from the group consisting of a slotted tube, a wire form, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       5. The incontinence device of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic working portion comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polymers, metals, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       6. The incontinence device of  claim 1 , further comprising an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending longitudinally beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use. 
     
     
       7. The incontinence device of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one member of the anchoring portion is a looped member extending longitudinally beyond at least one end of the working portion and returning to the working portion. 
     
     
       8. The incontinence device of  claim 6 , wherein the anchoring portion is arranged and configured to engage walls of a user's vaginal fornices. 
     
     
       9. The incontinence device of  claim 6 , wherein the anchoring portion comprises at least two members extending longitudinally beyond the at least one end of the working portion. 
     
     
       10. The incontinence device of  claim 6 , wherein the anchoring portion comprises a shape selected from the group consisting of a basket handle, a dog bone, a rabbit ear, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       11. The incontinence device of  claim 8 , comprising a cushioning material on the anchoring portion arranged and configured to engage walls of a user's vaginal fornices. 
     
     
       12. An intravaginal urinary incontinence device comprising:
 a) an elastic working portion comprising 
 i) opposed working surfaces to provide support to an associated urinary system; and 
 ii) a cushion comprising a soft, resilient material that is associated with each of the working surfaces; and 
 b) an anchoring portion operatively connected to the working portion to maintain the working portion at a desired location within a user's vagina; 
 
       wherein the anchoring portion has at least one looped member comprising an elastic material extending longitudinally beyond at least one end of the working portion and returning to the working portion capable of engaging vaginal walls. 
     
     
       13. The incontinence device of  claim 12 , wherein the working portion comprises a structure selected from the group consisting of a slotted tube, a wire form, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       14. The incontinence device of  claim 12 , wherein the cushion comprises a material selected from the group consisting of sponges and foams, thermoplastic elastomers, silicones, fibers, and combinations thereof.